More Cases of Influenza and ARI and Less Cases of COVID-19
According to the data acquired by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), in week 3 of this year (15-21 January) the incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) increased in the country and reached 1,309.9 cases per 100,000 population whereas in week 2 the number of infections was 1,200.9 cases per 100,000 population. Given the multi-year dynamics of the incidence of influenza and other ARIs (except COVID-19), usual increase in the incidence of influenza is currently observed. Prior to the pandemic, the peak of influenza and other ARIs was reached in January-February.
The lowest incidence was recorded in Tauragė County whereas the highest in Vilnius County. Epidemic level, i.e. the threshold of 1500 cases per 100 000 population, was reached in 7 Municipalities. A week before, it was reached by 2 Municipalities. To date, no municipality has declared an epidemic.
The assessment of the epidemiological situation is based on an integrated assessment of influenza, COVID-19 and other ARIs. Additional criteria, such as hospital, emergency and intensive care bed occupancy due to influenza and/or COVID-19, must also be taken into account when deciding whether to declare an epidemic. NPHC specialists continuously monitor the situation, cooperate with Municipal representatives, and, if necessary, propose an epidemic.
Last week, 93 people were hospitalised in Lithuania due to influenza: 63 children (aged 0-17), 7 people aged 18-64 and 23 people aged 65+. 8 persons, including 3 children, were treated in intensive care units. The number of admissions to hospital in the previous week was 67.
Two deaths due to influenza were registered last week (in Vilnius region). The deceased were aged 60-69 and 80-89, both had chronic illnesses and neither had received the seasonal flu vaccine. A total of 6 influenza deaths have been recorded this flu season.
Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties
Administracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 2 sav. (2024 m. sausio 8–14 d.) | 3 sav. (2024 m. sausio 15–21 d.) | ||||||||
Gripo atvejų skaičius | ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius | COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius | Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius | Suminis rodiklis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų) | Gripo atvejų skaičius | ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius | COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius | Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius | Suminis rodiklis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų) | |
Alytaus | 52 | 1198 | 128 | 1378 | 1016,1 | 110 | 1358 | 88 | 1556 | 1147,3 |
Kauno | 218 | 6412 | 391 | 7021 | 1210,7 | 456 | 6777 | 275 | 7508 | 1294,7 |
Klaipėdos | 83 | 3279 | 176 | 3538 | 1058,4 | 139 | 3609 | 129 | 3877 | 1159,8 |
Marijampolės | 35 | 1344 | 59 | 1438 | 1059,0 | 225 | 1557 | 38 | 1820 | 1340,3 |
Panevėžio | 62 | 2003 | 170 | 2235 | 1057,4 | 101 | 2132 | 127 | 2360 | 1116,5 |
Šiaulių | 128 | 2769 | 117 | 3014 | 1141,4 | 241 | 3069 | 90 | 3400 | 1287,6 |
Tauragės | 21 | 804 | 61 | 886 | 977,7 | 38 | 781 | 37 | 856 | 944,6 |
Telšių | 25 | 1144 | 57 | 1226 | 932,7 | 32 | 1202 | 55 | 1289 | 980,6 |
Utenos | 53 | 1245 | 75 | 1373 | 1094,3 | 118 | 1276 | 71 | 1465 | 1167,6 |
Vilniaus | 615 | 10905 | 685 | 12205 | 1438,0 | 1208 | 11604 | 485 | 13297 | 1566,7 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 1292 | 31103 | 1919 | 34314 | 1200,9 | 2668 | 33365 | 1395 | 37428 | 1309,9 |
According to the data from National Public Health Care Laboratory, a total of 345 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI in week 2 of the year, of which 44 tested positive for influenza type A virus, 17 samples were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2017
According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), By the end of week 2 (ending 14 January 2024), rates of respiratory illness (influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI)) in the community remain elevated and at above-baseline levels (based on moving epidemic method (MEM) thresholds) in most EU/EEA countries. Rates of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases presenting to sentinel secondary care remain at levels comparable to the same time last year.
It is not too late to get vaccinated
NPHC specialists remind the residents that both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are available throughout the flu season. We particularly recommend that people in at-risk groups get vaccinated.
As of 22 January 2024, 214,736 people have been vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine since September. As of 5 October, 52 895 people have been vaccinated with COVID-19. For more in information go to: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/skiepu-svieslente
It is also very important to wash one’s hands thoroughly and/or disinfect throughout the flu season. Ventilate more often and clean rooms with a damp cloth. Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough and sneeze into a bent elbow. If you feel cold-like symptoms, stay at home away from public gatherings, do not take sick children to educational establishments, and contact your family doctor. Wear medical face masks or respirators in enclosed, poorly ventilated public places or where it is not possible to keep a safe distance from other people. In medical institutions, wear face protection according to their procedures and follow their rules.
Last updated: 22-01-2024
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